Monday Morning Cheerleader: Lindsey of the Redskins

He's the man whose hands you put the ball in to manage the game, the one you put your faith in every Sunday to secure a win. He has seconds to make a game-changing split decision. He takes the blame and gets the glory, though sometimes neither is deserved. It's one of the toughest positions in sports — if not the toughest — and when that guy goes down, you better be ready with a suitable backup, or else you'll end up like the Steelers this weekend, who, with Ben Roethlisberger out, watched replacement quarterback Byron Leftwich get sacked three times, intercepted once, and linger in a world of hurt by the Ravens defense, resulting in a 13-10 loss. The Cardinals also know this feeling, after switching out John Skelton for rookie Ryan Lindley and still only managing 178 yards. They watched their sixth straight loss handed to them by the Falcons, who managed to win despite Matt Ryan's career-high five interceptions. But if anyone knows how important the signal caller is, it's Redskins cheerleader and swimsuit cover girl Lindsey McCormick (no relation). Inches away on the sidelines, she watched the prime examples of what you do and do not want your field general to look like, as Robert Griffin III's near-perfect game, complete with four touchdowns and a passer rating of over 158, helped lead his team to a 31-6 victory over the Eagles and Nick Foles, who had a less-than-memorable debut in the NFL on Sunday.

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LINDSAY MCCORMICK, the Esquire.com Lindsay: Huge win today. Both teams had the same record, but between RG3 and your defense stepping up, and, of course, Foles's lackluster performance, this felt more like you guys were playing the Browns.

LINDSEY, the Washington Redskins Lindsey: It was such an exciting game. It was great to have Pierre Garcon and Brandon Meriweather back. Having them back definitely translated into success for us yesterday. Going into yesterday's game, it was anyone's game, but RG3's leadership helped unify this team and give us that extra push.

ESQ: Are we beginning to see the end of Andy Reid's time with the Eagles?

LM: I'm not sure. I don't think that this one game will lose his job for him, but you never know.

ESQ: I know the Eagles really wanted RG3 and even met with him, but just couldn't move up far enough in the draft to get him. They ended up selecting Foles in the third round. Wouldn't you say yesterday was like rubbing salt in a wound?

LM: Our defense certainly brought it yesterday, and playing your first NFL game had to be overwhelming for Foles. That may have had something to do with it. That and, again, our defense.

ESQ: RG3 wants to be great this year and says the playoffs are a real goal for them this season. Is winning three of the remaining four division games realistic?

LM: Absolutely. With RG3's commitment and dedication to this team and the way he is leading, not just the team, but even the fans, with his optimism, I don't think it's too crazy of an idea that we could make the playoffs.

ESQ: Well, as long as Meriweather continues to play and help add heft to the defense — and the right knee injury isn't serious — it isn't too far-fetched. It also helps that the NFC East has cooled off a little bit.

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LM: If he continues to play the way he did today (seven tackles, an interception, and two pass breakups in the first half), then it will continue to strengthen the defense. That, combined with RG3 on the other side of the ball, could be just what we need to lead us to the playoffs. Because there has been so much going on in this division with new quarterbacks, that could be why it's been slow right now. Everyone is still trying to find their footing, and it's still anyone's game.

ESQ: I noticed a few skirmishes at the end — and I know it's not the Cowboys, but the fans always love to win this one as well.

LM: The fans were loud at the beginning, and even louder at the end, even though we looked like we had this game handled. The stadium was echoing. That energy had to have helped the players with the win. A win against the Eagles is definitely a good day!

ESQ: Maybe not always from the sidelines, but as a huge fanc of this organization, you've seen quite a few seasons from your team. Has this one been the most exciting?

LM: Probably this one, mainly because of the RG3 factor. He brought hope to the fans and organization, and hope for what is to come in the future.

ESQ: That must be why he's the first rookie player Coach Mike Shanahan has named captain of his team. Almost as big of a deal as getting the cover of the Redskins swimsuit calendar.

LM: I was so shocked when I got that. As you can tell, my teammates are beautiful, so I was not expecting this at all. It was such an honor to wear the Redskins swimsuit. All the cheerleaders went to Aruba this year, and we had to make sure we were working out, that everything was on point, and that we were manicured in every way possible.

ESQ: I have a feeling that these will sell out faster than Cowboys vs. Redskins tickets, if that's possible. Next week in Dallas, who wins?

LM: Obviously, the Redskins. We want this game in Dallas. We are so ready to take them on. Between RG3's leadership and Meriweather, who says he'll play next week, we are just going to make everyone happy for Thanksgiving.

ESQ: If the Cowboys look like they did today in the first half against the Browns (yes, the Browns), that may actually happen. Speaking of unusual, when I did my research — and let me tell you, it's weird Googling your own name — I found where you said your doorbell plays "Hail to the Redskins."

LM: It's hysterical. If I ever Google my own name, I always get your profile. But yeah, my family is the biggest Redskins fans. My mom and I both have "Hail to the Redskins" ringtones. Our doorbell rings "Hail to the Redskins." If we could get our horns to play "Hail to the Redskins," we would. Everything in our house is Redskins.

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